Preliminary DLV 2009 survey report, part 2 ...

[External Poster]

This posting is from: Diva Las Vegas
----------

This is the second of two survey reports, which contains the
textual comments received.

Very little editing or formatting. Comments were moved to the
most appropriate category: BDR, activity and venue suggestions,
or general comments.
. . . . . . . . . .

Behavior, Dress, and Restroom comments:

First stop after dinner Fri night a number of us went to Freezone. We
hadn't checked the listing info. Because, while I used the bathroom and
didn't have a problem, someone else did. We were told we had to use the
one that corresponded with our IDs. So we left. They're still bathroom
Nazis!
. . . . .

I was refused to go into the Ladies room at the Palazzo. I was told to
go to the mens room. I dont know Nevada's laws on transgener
discrimnation, I walked away without causing a scene. But the security
gaurd knew I wasn't happy with the situation.
. . . . .

I am pre-op transsexual and have enough time on hrt that I pass very
well.
. . . . .

First of all, about your dress and bathroom codes, this is Vegas! Nobody
cares! Understand it! Live with it! Nobody cares!
. . . . .

At the Bilagio hotel, during the Limo ride, security denied entrance to
the women's room for several Diva girls. No real problem just annoying.
. . . . .

As much as I have grown, I still am very uncertain and uneasy using a
ladie's bathroom in public. That will be my growth goal for next year.
. . . . .

Only issue is my own nervousness walking in.
. . . . .

A few of your guests, most notably one, was bragging about being a
pre-op while obviously being oblivious to the true meaning of GID and
transsexuality. This casts a bad light. Also, because someone is now a
TS and not a CD doesn't mean they can go witout makeup.
. . . . .

At the last limo stop (the Palazzo), no activities were planned. After
drinking, many of us needed to use the facilities. While we tried to be
low-profile and enter one at a time, girls from other limos had already
arrived. I believe other patrons were uncomfortable and restroom
attendants may have been notified. My response was to quickly leave the
casino, but it was a bad location and a bad vibe.
. . . . .

To answer the question, "did you recive any unsolicited advice ..." more
fully, I have to say that a very strange bird who showed up to an event
in some kind of androgynous look advised me not to wear a dress to
another more casual event. She advised me to wear something like what
she was wearing.

I was a bit put off by this comment mainly because the person giving the
advice was clearly using poor judgement herself, when attending the
lunch in some strange androgynous look. I suppose I shouldn't have been
upset by the comment because this same person, at a previous event,
bragged about her ability to pass in public restrooms as if that was
some sort of rite of passage.
. . . . .

Some people need to learn how to present themselves properly
Too many people wear jeans and look like guys!
. . . . .

Why is it that so many gurls insist on showing off their chest when
there is nothing there! This is a dead give-away.
. . . . . . . . . .

Activity and Venue Suggestions:

More dancing options - Paris - Le cabaret' is usually good (last two
years)
. . . . .

We use DLV as an excuse for a vacation - and we use the time to go
shopping at the local thrift stores. Organizing a 'thrift shopping
spree' with a van or something for group transportation would be a neat
addition to the events IMNSHO. However, "No, we're not committed enough
to organize/facilitate it".
. . . . .

We should go see the Rocky Horror Picture Show!
. . . . .

We need more strictly social just bull sessions in bars like we used to
have back in the early 2000's.
. . . . .

1. The Hilton Hotel - Las Vegas was WONDERFUL. I went to the front desk
en-Femm may times gambled in the private Bacarett room. They lowered the
table limit from 100 to 25 for me. I checked out on Tuesday 5-20-09
en-femm at the front desk to get a copy of my bill. They even added my
female identy as my middel name on my Hilton VIP Gambeling card.
Reasonable rate's great service. I was treated as a woman NO PROBLEMS it
was GREAT
. . . . .

A Prom, for those of us to relive, where we had to once wear a suit or
tux, let's now dress the way we really wanted to back then.
. . . . .

I would like to see some kind of a couples get together
. . . . .

Erotic Heritage Museum. Just opened. Groups of 10 or more get $10 off
the normal $20 admission.
. . . . .

We went o Dave's BBQ to see Charles's new wife!
. . . . .

Dancing - with suggestions from the local girls as to where are the good
mainstream dancing locales.
. . . . .

Post- event or late night gathering at Beauty Bar on Fremont Street.
. . . . .

I went to Le Carrousel, the semi-night club off the casino at Paris,
both Fri and Sat nights. Fri night we closed it. Probably 10-15 other
DLVers there each night. It was like a scheduled event; very open, fun.
No issues. Really a good dancing alternative. We should put it on the
schedule for next year!
. . . . .

Dancing at Le Cabaret in Paris Friday and Saturday was tons of fun but
it's a shame they replaced the live band they had last year with a DJ.
Still, it's probably worth getting on the official schedule.

Dinner at Top of the World and Sushi Roku were both great, but
definitely make for upscale events.
. . . . .

Dancing at Paris "Cabaret" bar and DJ/Dance area in casino near front
lobby, Fri and Sat nights. DLV girls were fun life of that place both
nights. The public seemed to love us there.
. . . . .

#1. Casino bat at Palazo.
#2. Cafe Hiedelberg, German food.
#3. Tony Romas, bar-be-q.

Both of those you can walk to from Sahara.
. . . . .

Dancing at the Paris, on Saturday evening.(it was a d-j,main casino
area, the highlight of my trip)
. . . . .

I had breakfast one morning at IHOP and found myself visiting some of
the local bars, like Spotlight, Badlands and Las Vegas Lounge. I also
went back top PT's for lunch one day and was well received even without
the group.
. . . . .

Bar at Paris
. . . . .

Dancing at Caberet in Paris Hotel.
. . . . .

Power Exchange Thursday night
. . . . .

I wennt to a club with a few local cd's called flex. It seemed nice and
I felt safe there. Also, I went to Gardunos at the palms twice with a
few other friends and had no problems there.
. . . . .

The M Resort-Spa-Casino would be a great location for a great night out
for Dinner/Dance/Gaming/Drinking/lodging. I went out there with a
girlfriend dressed and had a greatest time with no problems what so
ever. so much better than a low end with high priced drinks in a dive
bar activity like goodtimes. OMG!!!!!!! And it's very TG friendly and
an excellent venue and not at all pricey
. . . . .

Need more dancing at clubs. I went off on my own to dance clubs.
. . . . .

That German restaurant by Glamour Boutiwue. A few of us walked down
there and had a great meal.
. . . . .

Hard Rock Cafe and the Casino. I went with various groups of ladies 4
nights and we had great service. Used the ladies rest room NO PROBLEM at
all even with a line. All the girls that went with me enjoyed the
service food and acceptance. Hard Rock will have a NEW LARGE Cafe on the
strip that will open this August. It will be the LARGEST Hard Rock cafe
in the world. If any one wants me to arrange for a dinner or lunch for
the Diva event next year just let me know and I WILL take care of it.
. . . . .

I went to the Hard Rock Cafe with other crossdressers 3 times, it was a
very fun experience. The management was very supportive and welcomed us
with open arms, the wait staff was very good to us. I highly recommend
Hard Rock Cafe
. . . . .

We did go out on our own, but I am not sure I would risk recommending it
as venue other than the drag show at Flex. Its free, fun and very open.
. . . . .

Shopping at LV Outlet shops.
. . . . .

Rio Voodoo Lounge
Shopping at the north side shops
. . . . .

Stoplight Lounge. Nice little bar. We walked down there from dinner.
. . . . . . . . . .

General comments:

Unfortunately I was not able to get directions to the new shooting
location. Other than that I had a great time and was able to do more
than I had planned.
. . . . .

This was my fifth DLV, and the best.
. . . . .

For the Limo Ride, two things. 1. You do need a safe bathroom stop, but
pick one that has more than a one-stall bathroom. I never even tried
because of the line. 2, don't let us off downstairs. Nobody knew where
to go and that's why all the bathroom thing happened.
. . . . .

Tuesday was a total waste of time. I'm sure I was at the right casino
and theatre but there was nobody there and no movie starting then. Tried
to catch up with the bar crowd and got hit on. Wednesday was so much
better all around.
. . . . .

I'm sorry we took Fremont Street out of the Limo Tour. Goodtimes and
especially the Souvenier Shop were a massive waste of time. Should've
stayed on the Strip at the big hotels.
. . . . .

Personally, I much prefer mainstream/in with the public events and
activities. That's why I travel to Las Vegas and go to DLV. I've done
hotel conventions, and find them stifling. I want to be out and about.
I think we should plan alternatives so that people of like minds can do
that throughout. And if people want to go to a closed activity that's
their perogative. Just not mine. To me, otherwise, what's the point?
I could do the same at home.
. . . . .

I answered "yes" to: Did you have any difficulty finding the locations
at which DLV 2009 activities were held?

McMullins, Thursday: I got lost and failed to find the place. It is my
fault, not your's. Turned out that while eating alone that evening I
was "picked up" by a pediatric surgeon, and we had a wonderful time
together!

So, my missing this event turned out to be fortuitous!
. . . . .

The events I signed up for and didn't attend were as follows:

- Art tour afternoon: art tour lunch ran despicably long
- NoSD: tried every day starting Sunday to cancel, couldn't find an organizer
- Boat tour: far too hot to be enjoyable

The limo tour was a huge disappointment. I was told that the venues
were chosen because some people weren't comfortable being gawked at in
public. So we go to a bunch of lame locations as a compromise? I felt
more uncomfortable waiting for people to finish having sex in the
bathrooms at Good Times than being photographed in public. I felt more
uncomfortable going to a gift shop surrounded by security for no obvious
reason than I was dancing on Freemont street last year.

In addition to an unrealistic schedule following the SBS event, the
directions to the fashion show were next to useless. "Meet in the main
courtyard" doesn't mean much when you don't know the mall and the
information desk says they don't have any courtyards.

While I think the balance of mainstream / non-mainstream activities is
fine because I'd like to let everyone find something they feel
comfortable with, I think more of both would be appropriate. I'd love
to see a mainstream and a non-mainstream activity in every timeslot.

I like the idea of name tags just fine, but the actual name tags we used
are a royal pain. The plastic didn't fold flat so the paper card would
fall out all the time, and the clip is a horrible choice for almost
every outfit I wore during the week.
. . . . .

The limo tour was disorganized & not enough stops at casinos.
. . . . .

Annie, I'm probably the most 'out' T* person on the planet right now, so
my DLV experience is atypical. You are doing a GREAT job with the event
and it just gets better and better every year. Thank you!

PS - in future surveys, maybe pre-fill the fields of the big multi-line
queries with 'did not attend' or some default answer to eliminate a lot
of box-clicking. A minor irritation.
. . . . .

I have to say that the meet and greet was awesome on monday night.

The pub crawl on tuesday was a joke. Why were two guys allowed to follow
us around all night all because of some dlv girl liked to lift their
skirt up and show off their panties.

Then there was kereoke night. I don't know who she was but she was
showing her breasts all night long and letting others feel them up.
Thursday I was signed up for soiled doves but didn't go because of
complications with my ride.

At that point I was done with dlv so I didn't do the mystery dinner
either which I also payed for. Not worried about the money. I did not
attend the final dinner either. DLV was done for me after the kereoke
night. I don't go out with sluts and whores and you have many. Maybe
some supervision would be good for next year.
. . . . .

why not have the group photo on the first night with over a 100 girls
instead of the 40 i for one will not put my self out at 9pm to have a
photo taken you will only get girls form the limo tour
. . . . .

All of this "do this or we will cancel you!" do that or we will cancel
you nonsense gets old! Treat us more like adults! And don't be so
pissy-ass about it! Same here, don't put your name or we will shitcan
your survey. Do you get the point!
. . . . .

I liked DLV it was fun but *ahem* there are lot of girls who are stand
offish I know this is a get together for girls but I felt like an
outsider and I know my SO felt it too. Maybe a little more opening up by
the volunteers of DLV? I notice new ones were all together and all the
organizers stayed together. I would think maybe organizers could get out
and circulate more
. . . . .

This is really a group that is more suited to the cross dressers and was
a shock for me. I am glad I went because I learned a lot.
. . . . .

I want to that everyone who put together DLV this year, it was a great
first time.
. . . . .

I understand that the reason you moved it to May is because one of the
Chief organizers could'nt make it in April. This is highly
inconsiderate. You need to consider 100 girls and not one.

Soiled Doves is a RIOT.
. . . . .

Overall, a magnifcent an delightful week, from Sunday to Saturday!
Kudo's to those who put this together. I've been once before, but this
one is the best. I met so many very nice folks. Thank you so much!
. . . . .

Saturday evening, I was accosted by 4 black men in front of my hotel (St
T). I was made as a CD and the shouting began. These were loiterers
with no business being there. The atmosphere did not support my
projection a a lady. Hotel was fine, but it was a major setback for me.
. . . . .

The only things that I personally had trouble with was the time for the
IMAX movie was wrong, and the price of one of the lunch Buffets on
thursday was also wrong. And as mentioned before, the conflict of two
great events at the same time. One last thing would be the Photo taken
at Caesars Palace. That Fountain was kind of difficult to find. We
found it in time though.
. . . . .

The Diva organizing group is doing an excellent job. Thank you sooooo
very much!
. . . . .

I hope that next year DLV takes place in April or even March. It was too
HOT!!!
. . . . .

Every DLV person I met treated me great. The Big Sister program was
great. I am indebted to you all.
. . . . .

I consider Diva to be my annual finest hour and I am eternally grateful
to all of those who gave me this opportunity.

Each year I've grown and would not be able to say this without Diva.

First year I was scared to open the room door and walk out. This year my
growth goal was to be comfortable hailing and riding a cab. Last year it
was getting comfortable ordering from a menu, and this year I didn't eat
at a casino buffet once!

One unexpected growth opportunity. I lost my room key and had to go to
the front desk (Sahara) and beg for another one. He just looked at my
ID, didn't really say anything, no shock expression, checked my
reservation on the computer, and gave me another key. He said if I
needed anything else, just come down and ask.

Thank you again from the bottom of my heart for putting on such a
magnificent event.
. . . . .

Yes, suggestion here. For the past couple years you've had a Big Sister
Diva and a Room Sharing Diva. You also need a Ride Share and Carpool
Diva.
. . . . .

OK the Limo tour was a debacle and I stayed extra days to attend. Please
fix that so we don't feel like a herd of sheep. More time needed for the
priced of $60 dollars per person and limit the amount of people per car.
We had 8 in the limo when there was suppose to be only 4. (I know a few
received a $20 dollar refund but that overbooking should have not been
an inconvenience). also we should have a choice of beverage or simply
make it BYO. also age matching would be a great idea so those of class
and age are not paired up with party clown youngsters that spoiled the
excitement and luxury of a limousine tour for others. Also the limo drop
off point was silly when most of us were parked at Caesars Palace not at
the Bellagio
. . . . .

The Limo tour was completely disorganized in the way it was handled. The
golf tournament was very rushed. Was it golf or the Indy 500!!
. . . . .

Too much complaining by people who didn't volunteer or run activities
. . . . .

I feel that the Limo Tour has deterioated. It might be due to the number
of Linos, since that does determine whaer they are able to park, at the
different destinations. The detour to Goodtimes was a WASTE of my $40.
Also, the suprise we got when we stopped at the Bellagio. That was
evidently the end of the Limo Tour, since the Limo left, with out
belongings. He did return, after another driver called him back. We did
get a ride back to Ceasers, where our car was parked.
. . . . .

Mostly comfortable being seen with DLV group in public . My
uncomfortable times were when the DLV attendies were not dressed
appropriate for the mainstream venues

thanks
. . . . .

Very friendly bunch! Great time. I haven't had this much fun in years.
. . . . .

For me the one thing that I sort of missed was getting to meet more of
the Attendees. Even though we attended the final bash, it seemed like
the same group of people we attended all the other activities with were
the same. Although we did miss the opening meeting so perhaps we could
have met more of the gurls then.
. . . . .

A BIG THANK YOU to all of you who had a part in putting this whole thing
together! Brava!
. . . . .

Meeting up with the girls from previous years and catching up is always
a highlight for me, expecially over a dinner. I really liked the room
at Trevi's because it was quiet and allowed conversation (some venues
can be very noisy).
. . . . .

Great week! Great people! Great food, too much of it!

This year was much better than last year. The girls were friendlier this
year, by fay, and last year there was a lot of complaining about
picayune little things. The only complaint I heard this year, and I'm
glad I wasn't the only one, was that there ws nobody at the movie
starting time. It's embarrassing just standing around.
. . . . .

Being a SO, I probably shouldn't comment, but I feel that you can't
stress enough, dress and (makeup) should be age and activity
appropriate.

Some attendees probably 30% just drew negative attention and responses
especially at mainstream activities. I'm by far no expert at either
subject, but some attendees looked as though they were made up for
Halloween. Would they seriously want their daughters, granddaughters,
or sisters going out looking like that? Hope the SO get-together
coordinator is rotated each year,to get different views.
. . . . .

I had some difficulty finding the meeting spot for the limo tour. This
was my first activity of the week and the schedule directed us to the
front of the casino where we found other lost girls but no limos.
Eventually a friendly limo driver came by and drove us to the correct
location. Also, I did not receive a physical map or schedule however I
was able to print out both online.
. . . . .

Monday Night Gathering/Saturday Night Gathering- Introduction of
orgainzers/volunteers so new people can put a face to a name.

Ride sharing- Some other means of getting people together. Listing by
hotel is of little use as the name the person is registered under is
seldom (never?) the name on the ride share roster. Vol. drivers cell
#'s perhaps?
. . . . .

The limo tour was not as great as I thought it would be. Having to walk
all the way to group picture and back again to limos in heels sucked.
The stop at gift shops was dum and boring. The stop at Palazzo was not
that interesting either. Should have a group get together afterward too
I think.
. . . . .

First off, I had a nice 1st experience with DLV and look forward to
attending in future. I truly could not think of a better venue than
Vegas.

To qualify any negative responses, I weighted those determining issues
80%-20%(80% being my own shyness). "Did you find the other DLV attendees
to be friendly and inclusive?" I found other attendees to be very
friendly and accepting, inclusive? not so much.

I anticipated someone at The Welcome Meet & Greet at the Blue Ox to be
on the look out for new folks with a "welcome, how do you do". A local
girl I met in the parking lot on the way in at 9:30, we found about 30
girls in small groups, we discussed our surprise at the only reception
was from the bar staff.

As newcomers we did not feel very welcome. Even with this rocky start, I
did go on to enjoy my first DLV. By the way I never saw this girl after
that night.

Maybe in future might someone be on the lookout to welcome new people.
They would be the one's off to themselves peering at the group waiting
for the opportunity to join in. Some may find it rude to join in
uninvited.

Not being as forward as most folks, in hindsight, my not asking for
support of a Big Sister was a major mis-step (life lesson, don't be to
proud to ask for help, all your prodding went unheeded). I found
attending DLV alone had significant challenges in which I did poorly
overcoming.

Ending on a positive note, I want to try again and plan to attend
another DLV. Would love to become part of the group. Hopefully, just not
alone. Thank you Annie & everyone for all the effort in the planning and
logistics of putting together DLV!!!
. . . . .

The limo tour was VERY poorly put together - Pics at the Welcome to Las
Vegas Sign, a potty stop at GoodTimes, a stop at the worlds largest gift
shop, a stop at the Palazzio, and ending at Bellagio - The tour started
at Caesar's Palace. NO one in my limo was told that Bellagio was the
last stop, and most of the girls left their purses in it. The limo left
with them...A call to the limo provider brought all the limos back to
the Bellagio, and we were given rides back to Caesars. At no time was
there any public to speak of, so there went lots of picture
opportunities. It needs to be much better planned next year, and Casino
Front Entry stops arranged instead of the Valet Entrance. The fun of the
limo tour is not the ride itself, but the many photo ops at the various
venues. The 2005, 2006, and 2009 limo tours were exceptionally well
planned, and were a lot of fun. I took the Limo Tour each of those
years. If future limo tours are like the one in 2009, I wont go on one.
. . . . .

I suggest that the SO luncheon be for the SO's only. Most of us had been
around with spouses and SO.s before and were not uncomfortable. The
folks were great and we enjoyed chatting and eating. It was a fun
gathering but, It would be interesting to have conversations without the
partners along.
. . . . .

Any chance that Amy will allow a plugged-in jam next year?
. . . . .

I would like for DLV to be scheduled early to have cooler tempertures.
. . . . .

To further answer: During DLV 2009, did you ever give or attempt to give
another attendee some unsolicited advice or constructive criticism
regarding dress, appearance, mannerisms, etc.?

No, but I sure felt like it at times.

I'm very hesitant to do this. I don't want to hurt feelings, I don't
want to piss anyone off, and I sure don't want to lose a friend, which
I'm afraid I would do if I did this.

Most of the girls try, but they just don't understand what a "day look"
means. You've got girls going lunch or shopping all done up like they're
performing in a drag show.

Then there's the other extreme, bad beard shadow. It has to be covered,
girls.
. . . . .

Did not use the on line maps you provided because I used my GPS
navigation tool to get to the various venues.
. . . . .

My friend and I came in on Thursday and we chose to do things on our own
that day. On Friday we had signed up for the Lake Mead boat tour but
decided against it.

However, we still went out to Boulder City for the breakfast. Arriving
about 15 minutes late, we were barely acknowledged when we walked in if
there was ANY acknowledgement at all.

It wasn't until we paid our tab that we actually met a couple attendees
which set the stage wonderfully for our dinner plans that night.

My advice is that each event has a "hostess" and that person should have
the RESPONSIBILITY to welcome people as they show up whenever they show
up (smaller events of course, this would be difficult if not impossible
at something like the Bahama Breeze dinner). If I didn't have 100%
confidence in being out and the breakfast was my first event, I would
have been deeply disappointed. Instead I was simply irritated. I got
over it long ago but feel this is something the organizers need to be
aware of.
. . . . .

As I keep saying, this is the best girl time ever! Thanks for another
great time!
. . . . .

Let's have lunch and the SBS at 12 noon.
. . . . .

I left all the questions about money blank. I hope this won't mess you
up. I really don't remember what all I spent.
. . . . .

Let's move it back to April, when the temperature is cooler and our
make-up doesn't run all over our face.
. . . . .

The Sat afternoon fashion show was fun. But I understand Edy tried to
organize one using DLVers, and the mall wanted no part. I think it
still would be fun to do. I'd do it. I know Fantasia Fair does it.

Also, pls update the places to go/things to do listing. We tried to
find the Zappos Outlets, and actually go to where one was supposed to
be, and a next door shop person told us they closed in Dec. Otherwise,
that's it.

The beauty of DLV is if you don't want to do something scheduled, you
can go off and do what you want! But, please, let's go back to April!!!
Too hot in May, and conflicting travel with Mother's Day is
unacceptable.
. . . . .

You need a better way of paying for events. This stuff about find Annie
for the limo, find Jami for the tea, find Amy for doves, is rediculous!
Also, all of this cut-off deadline nonsense! We're adults, don't treat
us as children!
. . . . .

The time needs to be set back in April, for the cooler weather.
. . . . .

When the events are in a private room of a place (dinner at trevi) it
would be nice to know that in advance. we spent an hour looking for DLV
at Ceasar's. When we went to sign up at Trevi the volunteer did not have
any sign up materials with her although she was supposed to, Volunteer I
know but if it says sign up then it should be available
. . . . .

The IMAX times were incorrect and caused us to wait for approximately an
hour and a half to see the next show. This caused us to be behind a
schedule that we were trying to keep.
. . . . .

Cooler weather would be nice. Limos start and stop at the same place.
. . . . .

The time for the movie was wrong. Which parkng garage? Both are off Wynn
Avenue. Nobody else was there. We weren't going to wait around. We left,
very disappointed.
. . . . .

A lot of activities that I wanted to attent were in conflict with
others. It would be nice if the same activity like going to the movies,
going to a Harmony Nail Salon, or going to a show/club could've been
scheduled more than once on different days.
. . . . .

Please hold next years DLV in cooler months with lower temps with more
high end venues to select from and a central location for lodging for
better socializing (pick one hotel on the strip) and not the Sahara
PLEASE. The Stratosphere was a great choice for me and the VIP staff
love the TG com community
. . . . .

It was very hard for a new person that knew no one to get a hold of
someone to drive. I ended up taking cabs most of the time. We needed
cell phone numbers. I never knew who was going and how to get a hold
of someone to drive.
. . . . .

I did not like the limo tour to bars, I would like limo tours to
casino's and fremont street, and other mainstream venues. would like a
freemont street night on friday or saturday.
. . . . .

Having the approx cost of the venues posted so I could see what it may
cost, before I show up and get suprised. Also it would be nice to have
some additional SO activities.
. . . . .

I found a lot of the activites prohibitively expensive for my wife and
I. Unfortunately Vegas is way expensive, and we are rather strapped for
money. We limited out attendance to those portions of DLV that were
either free, or took place at reasonable priced venues. A lot of the
time we just went out on our own. Missed the socializing with a lot of
the gurls unfortunately. Although we did go out with Amy form glamor
boutique and those time were always reasonable and really fun.
. . . . .

The limo tour was disappointing compared with previous tours. I think
we should go to the Four Queens and Fairmont Street. It is an expensive
outing when we spend most of the time milling around at venues waiting
for the slowest people to cooperate. I would suggest that we have a few
set venues eg Bellgio, LV sign and Four Queens and then let the
individuals in each limo decide on remainder of night.
. . . . .

Try looking into Streach Hummers that hold 14 in place of Lemeo.. I
think the price is very close.. few dollars more per person maybe...
. . . . .

Yes, for the limo ride. Some suggestions. Don't assign seats. Just let
them find a seat and I think it will be easier for you. Also, did you
ever consider a party wagon or hummvee limo?
. . . . .

What if we rent stretch Hummers for the limo tour. We could use 3
vehicles instead of 8 and about the same amount of money to participant.
. . . . .

Need more booze in the limo. You were a wee bit chintzy this year.
. . . . .

For casino games, pick a place that has reasonable table game prices.
$25 per hand minimum is to much for me, just learning the games.
. . . . .

----------
(This posting was entered by Diva Las Vegas, an external user of MyDLV.)

[External Poster]

This posting is from: Kimberly Kael
----------

I think I detect a theme ...

>More dancing options - Paris - Le cabaret' is usually good (last two
>years)

>I went to Le Carrousel, the semi-night club off the casino at Paris,
>both Fri and Sat nights. Fri night we closed it. Probably 10-15 other
>DLVers there each night. It was like a scheduled event; very open, fun.
>No issues. Really a good dancing alternative. We should put it on the
>schedule for next year!

>Dancing at Le Cabaret in Paris Friday and Saturday was tons of fun but
>it's a shame they replaced the live band they had last year with a DJ.
>Still, it's probably worth getting on the official schedule.

>Dancing at Paris "Cabaret" bar and DJ/Dance area in casino near front
>lobby, Fri and Sat nights. DLV girls were fun life of that place both
>nights. The public seemed to love us there.

>Dancing at the Paris, on

----------
(This posting was entered by Kimberly Kael, an external user of MyDLV.)

[External Poster]

This posting is from: Susan
----------

Regarding the TG who put her boobs on display at Goodtimes, I talked
with her about it. She is a local. I have been at 2 other bars, not DLV
related, where she caused problems. She was not registered at DLV but
came to Goodtimes that night, as is her right.

It's a mistake to assume that all TG's at our events are part of DLV. If
Goodtimes objected to her behavior, she would have been asked to leave.
In alternative bars, particularly in Vegas, behavior tends to be more
relaxed.

There are a lot of GGs in Vegas that can be put in the sluts and whores
category. When the world judges us all by the actions of a few, it's not
fair. When a member of our group objects so strongly that she had to
leave, I suggest that Vegas is not the place for her to vacation.

----------
(This posting was entered by Susan, an external user of MyDLV.)

[External Poster]

This posting is from: Susan
----------

I'm not surprised by the low rating of Karaoke at Goodtimes. I spoke
with Shiela, who runs the Karaoke nights there, on 4 separate occasions.
Once before suggesting this as an event, once after it was put on the
schedule, a month away and a week prior, always mentioning the date. She
scheduled a contest that night and never told me. None of us got to sing
because it was a closed contest for regulars.

There were probably 100 people there that night. Usually there's about
25. They only had 1 bartender. Drinks were hard to get. It could have
been a great night. Shiela said that it was a misunderstanding. I
subsequently found out that her event was scheduled 6 weeks in advance.

I'm new at this organizing. I should have arranged the event with
Goodtimes management. Maybe next year.

----------
(This posting was entered by Susan, an external user of MyDLV.)

[External Poster]

This posting is from: Sarah Charles
----------

There is a comment on the the survey and Annie's response that
struck my eye.

>>First of all, about your dress and bathroom codes, this is
>>Vegas! Nobody cares! Understand it! Live with it! Nobody cares!

>Unfortunately, those who file complaints with security most
>certainly do care. It may be Las Vegas, but those of very
>closed minds are present and do make a lot of noise when
>they see things that are not "the way things ought to be<tm>"!

>The surveys also consistently show that the majority of the
>DLV attendees are in support of the Behavior, Dress, and
>Restroom guidelines.

A couple of years ago the Wynn opened a show called Avenue Q,
an adult theme play with human and "muppet" type characters.

The show with some gay and sexually related themes had been
very popular on Broadway and surprised many when it closed
early in Vegas. Why? The people attending the play are not
the folks who live in Vegas and "don't care", but the visitors
from middle America who are ready for a bit of adventure, but
evidently not a lot.

While the workers and some of the people in the bars, casinos
and stores are local and may not care, they are a minority in
their city. We are just as likely to encounter the silent
majority, or Joe Redneck in Las Vegas as we will in any other
city or town in the land. The other thing to consider is Las
Vegas itself was settled by and still has a large number of
Mormons. And I think you will agree that they are not the
most accepting and understanding group when it comes to
gender issues.

Finally, yes it is Vegas, but when I go there for Diva I
care about these issues. Not only does it make my stay
much more comfortable, but it lends the transgenders who
attend some credibility with the civilians we encounter.

Some day it would be nice to see that our society really
doesn't care how we dress or what we wear. That can happen
only when it doesn't pose a threat to the "high-minded"
standards middle America lives by. Following the BDR
guidelines doesn't push the envelope like some would
like, but I think it opens it for inspection and
eventual acceptance.

Or maybe I'm just a Starry-eyed Idealist still living
in the 60's.

----------
(This posting was entered by Sarah Charles, an external user of MyDLV.)

[External Poster]

This posting is from: JoAnn
----------

> Finally, yes it is Vegas, but when I go there for Diva I
> care about these issues. Not only does it make my stay
> much more comfortable, but it lends the transgenders who
> attend some credibility with the civilians we encounter.
>

Sarah--

Again you have stated the situation with perception and caring insight!!

JoAnn

----------
(This posting was entered by JoAnn, an external user of MyDLV.)